• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About

Boulder Locavore® logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Desserts (No Bake) » Easy No-Bake Pecan Rum Balls

    PUBLISHED: December 15, 2022 • By Toni Dash 32 Comments

    Easy No-Bake Pecan Rum Balls

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    no bake rum balls on blue surface.

    Boozy Rum Balls are a no bake treat that is perfect adult treat or a homemade gift! These are a holiday season classic, perfect for cookie exchanges and a great make-ahead recipe (the flavor keeps getting better).

    no bake rum balls on blue surface.
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    no bake rum balls on blue surface.

    Holiday foods always bring on the cheers and Pecan Rum Balls do just that! These homemade treats are right at home with the boozy Eggnog, Wassail and Glogg perfect for holiday parties.

    Melted chocolate, vanilla wafer and graham cracker crumbs, sweetened and rolled into balls coated with diced pecans!

    These classic no-bake treats are easy to make. Their flavor continues to develop so they are perfect to make ahead for a special occasion or for gifts.

    They taste like eating a sweet cocktail. The rum is distinct, and that’s their charm. They can be made regular or gluten-free depending on the cookie crumbs used.

    You will have tried traditional Rum Balls somewhere before. They have been on the mixed Christmas cookie tray at company parties. And your Grandmother probably made them too.

    They are a classic that never goes out of style.

    Our chocolate rum balls use both crushed vanilla wafers and graham cracker crumbs which give them fantastic buttery flavor.

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Ingredient Notes
    • What is the Best Type of Rum to Use?
    • How to Make Rum Balls
    • More Coating Options
    • Expert Tips for perfect Rum Balls
    • How to Store
    • More recipes you’ll love!
    • More Recipes You’ll Love!
    • Recipe
    pecan no bake rum balls with powdered sugar

    Recipe Ingredient Notes

    These holiday treats are made with simple ingredients!

    Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips. These will be melted and combined with the sugar, rum and cookie crumbs to make the rum balls.

    Granulated Sugar. Sweetens the rum balls.

    Light Corn Syrup. Also a sweetener.

    Rum. The flavor star of this rum ball recipe. Dark rum is typically used but any rum can be used. See more below.

    Vanilla Wafers crumbs. These add substance to the delicious treat and flavor. You can buy vanilla wafter crumbs or make them yourself. Crumbs can be made by processing vanilla wafer cookies in a food processor or mini chopper. Regular or gluten-free wafers may be used.

    Graham Cracker crumbs. As with the vanilla wafer crumbs you can use store bought cracker crumbs or homemade may be used. See notes in vanilla wafers crumbs above.

    Diced Pecans. These coat the outside of the rum balls so smaller pieces of pecans works best for an even coating.

    What is the Best Type of Rum to Use?

    Any rum works though Dark Rum is most commonly used. The change up the flavor of your rum balls with different rum flavors.

    Try other types of rum (even Malibu Coconut Rum) or alcohol like whisky or bourbon for bourbon balls!

    Use 1/2 cup rum or whisky or bourbon.

    pecan no bake rum balls with pine cones


    How to Make Rum Balls

    There are just a few easy steps to make this rum balls recipe. They are ready for your Christmas celebration before you know it!

    STEP 1. Combine ingredients

    Melt the chocolate chips stirring until smooth (follow the microwave instructions on the package or use a double boiler).

    In a large bowl, combine the melted chocolate with the sugar and corn syrup; stir to combine. Stir in the rum and mix until fully incorporated.

    Add the vanilla wafer crumbs and graham cracker crumbs to the wet ingredients; stir to fully combine.

    STEP 2. Chill

    Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator until firm (at least 1 hour).

    STEP 3. Scoop & Roll

    Scoop out 1-inch balls. TIP: Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to make this go faster. Roll balls between palms to smooth them.

    Roll the balls in the diced pecans.

    More Coating Options

    The rum balls can be rolled in many different ingredients.

    • powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
    • cocoa powder
    • diced shredded coconut
    • Use different nuts instead of pecans
    • Toasted nuts. You can even toast them in a dry skillet first before rolling (toasted pecans are delicious).
    • chocolate sprinkles

    Expert Tips for perfect Rum Balls

    Use a scoop. Using a tablespoon cookie scoop is the quickest way to create balls and then roll them between your palms.

    Coating trick. The secret to getting a full coating of pecans is to put them in the palms of your hands and roll them into the balls! Your hands will get chocolately but this method is worth the end result.

    Confectioner’s sugar coating tip. To dust the finished balls with confectioner’s sugar using a confectioner’s sugar shaker. It allows a light dusting while filtering out any lumps.

    Make your own crumbs. You can use your favorite brands of graham crackers and vanilla wafers (regular OR gluten-free). I use a mini chopper to make crumbs since it manages a smaller batch than a food processor does (though a food processor can also be used).

    Just add the cookies into the chopper/processor and pulverize until fine crumbs are produced. I also use the mini chopper for all my recipe prep that calls for chopping or dicing!

    Make them ahead! The flavor keeps developing after the balls are combined. They have even better flavor when made up to 1 week ahead of serving. This gives plenty of time for other baking at this time of the year.

    pecan no bake rum balls with powdered sugar

    How to Store

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can be made a week prior to serving to allow the flavors to blend.

    More recipes you’ll love!

    Can kids eat Rum Balls?

    Because they have alcohol in them these rum balls are not recommended for children.

    Can rum balls be frozen?

    Yes! Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To thaw place them in the refrigerator overnight. They can also be eaten straight out of the freezer! They don’t freeze as hard as cookies.

    More Recipes You’ll Love!

    • beef bulgogi bowls from overhead
      Beef Bulgogi Rice Bowls 
    • banana cake slice on white plate
      Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
    • brownie cookies close up on plate
      Fudgy Brownie Cookies recipe
    • oreo cookie bars on white plate.
      Oreo Bars

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER and PINTEREST!

    Recipe

    pecan no bake rum balls with pine cones crop.

    Pecan Rum Balls (a no bake recipe)

    These boozy holiday Pecan Rum Balls are a sophisticated no bake treat great to serve for adults all through the holidays.  These are a perfect make ahead treat because the flavor improves when made up to 1 week before serving.
    5 from 56 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Chilling Time (approximate): 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 21 2 balls (makes aproximately 42 balls)
    Calories: 179kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
    • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
    • 3 tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
    • 1/2 cup Rum dark rum is typically used but any type of rum can be used
    • 2 cups Vanilla Wafers crumbs regular or gluten-free
    • 1/2 cup Graham Cracker crumbs regular or gluten-free
    • 1 cup finely diced Pecans

    Instructions

    • In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips using the Melt function or cooking at 50% power for 1 minutes, then in 20 second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate has melted and is smooth.
      1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
    • Stir the sugar and corn syrup into the melted chocolate to combine. Stir in the rum and mix until it is fully incorporated.
      1/2 cup Granulated Sugar, 3 tablespoons Light Corn Syrup, 1/2 cup Rum
    • Stir in the vanilla wafers crumbs and graham crackers. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until firm (at least 1 hour).
      2 cups Vanilla Wafers crumbs, 1/2 cup Graham Cracker crumbs
    • Scoop out bite-size balls approximately 1-inch diameter (note: using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop for this is highly recommended) and roll between your palms to make them into smooth balls.
    • Roll them in the diced pecans.
      Store in a sealed container. The flavor deepens after making so may be made a week before planning to eat them or giving them as gifts.
      1 cup finely diced Pecans

    Notes

    Ingredient Notes:
    Using Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers: Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers (aproximately 1-6.3 ounce package of Kinnickinnick Vanilla Wafers)
    Chilling Time note: 1 hour chilling time has been included in the recipe time.  Depending on your chilling conditions, this time may be longer.
    How to Store
    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can be made a week prior to serving to allow the flavors to blend.
    Freezing: Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To thaw place them in the refrigerator overnight. They can also be eaten straight out of the freezer! 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.7mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally published: November 26, 2017

    « Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
    Cranberry Apple Hot Toddy »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

    Free Email Course

    5 FAST & EASY 15-MINUTE RECIPES
    Spending too much time in the kitchen?
    These recipes are fast, easy, and perfect for every occasion.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heather says

      November 27, 2017 at 10:25 pm

      I love the throwbacks recipes! The holidays are all about traditions, and these pecan rum balls will be perfect for making new memories.

      Reply
    2. Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says

      November 27, 2017 at 9:56 pm

      5 stars
      Pecan rum balls = wow! I love both ingredients. What more can say? I am making this tomorrow! 🙂

      Reply
    3. Joyce Brewer says

      November 27, 2017 at 8:58 pm

      These look like they’d go well with coffee or a warm winter drink. Yummy!

      Reply
    4. brianne says

      November 27, 2017 at 8:44 pm

      You had me at no bake. These look so yummy!

      Reply
    5. Claudia Krusch says

      November 27, 2017 at 8:34 pm

      These look so delicious and easy to make. I am sure they will be a big hit at my holiday party this year. I will have to make some as a trial run this weekend.

      Reply
    6. Claudia K says

      November 27, 2017 at 8:32 pm

      Rum balls are my favorite. I can not wait to make some for my holiday entertaining.

      Reply
    7. travel blogger says

      November 27, 2017 at 7:08 pm

      This looks like a great recipe! I love treat that don’t require cooking! I will have to give this a try, and I will try out the tablespoon cookie scoop. Great tip! I always need tips to make recipes easier since I am a terrible cook ha ha.

      Reply
    8. Susan says

      November 27, 2017 at 7:07 pm

      These sound wonderful!!!!!!!

      Reply
    9. Theresa says

      November 27, 2017 at 6:48 pm

      I make my husband a treat every year for his birthday (right before Christmas) and these rum balls sound perfect. He does love rum and pecans, so this is a home run recipe to make him!

      Reply
    10. adriana says

      November 27, 2017 at 6:10 pm

      These look SO good! What a great holiday dessert! They’re so different than your typical holiday desserts too, that’s the best part! YUM! Can’t wait to try them.

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    About Toni Dash

    Toni Dash BoulderLocavore.com Head Shot

    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

    AS FEATURED ON….

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Easy Dinners

    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs
    • Korean BBQ Chicken title image Easy Korean BBQ Chicken recipe
    • Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket title image Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket: an Easy One Pot Meal
    • Shrimp Salad title image Shrimp Salad Recipe
    • Green Chile Stew title image Hearty New Mexican Green Chile Pork Stew

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • LIMEADE IN A GLASS WITH ICE Fresh Homemade Limeade recipe
    • CHICKEN ENCHILADAS IN BAKING DISH Easy Chicken Enchiladas recipe – Ready in under 1 hour!
    • Rhubarb Fool title image Rhubarb Fool: a Light, Dreamy British Dessert
    • grilled porterhouse steak title Perfect Porterhouse Steak on the Grill
    • Korean BBQ Chicken title image Easy Korean BBQ Chicken recipe

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright © 2010-2023 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.